Belarus

Belarus – The Barys Zvozskau Belarusian Human Rights House

The Belarusian Human Rights House (HRH) addresses the main challenges faced by human
rights activists in Belarus - the right to assembly and freedom of expression. This is achieved
through the provision of a safe training and meeting space and facilities for human rights
defenders, NGOs, journalists, students and teachers, as well as for international meetings
and cultural events.

On December 8, Belarusian human rights community solemnly awarded the winners of the ninth National Human Rights Price in three categories: "The human rights defender of the year", "The journalist of the year" and "The campaign/initiative of the year". The ceremony was held in the Minsk book store "Lohvinau". 08 Dec 2017»

Belarus is not among the 75 countries that clearly stated the need to protect human rights defenders. By doing this, the Belarusian authorities have witnessed their true position towards the human rights community, thinks Ales Bialiatski, head of the HRC "Viasna". 25 Nov 2017»

Human rights defenders have submitted to the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination an alternative report on the implementation by the Republic of Belarus of the corresponding UN Convention. The report's authors concluded that the Roma in Belarus are subject to discrimination, particularly in employment, resulting in exclusion, extreme poverty, and criminalization of the part of country’s Roma population. 09 Nov 2017»

On 26 October, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus Miklós Haraszti presented his report on the human rights situation in the country at the 72th session of the UN General Assembly in New York (USA). 02 Nov 2017»

About

Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) protects, empowers and supports human rights defenders and their organisations. To accomplish this, HRHF brings organisations together in Human Rights Houses, and unites the Houses in an international network. HRHF advocates with partner organisations to promote the freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, and the right to be a human rights defender – to ensure that individuals and organisations can work freely and openly to protect and advance human rights at home and abroad. Today, independent human rights organisations work together in 15 Human Rights Houses in 12 countries. The Houses are located in Eastern & Western Europe, the Caucasus and the Balkans. HRHF is based in Oslo, with an office in Geneva and representation in Brussels and Tbilisi.